Some could say this story begins when Dan was in middle school and had the infamous Mrs. Kratzer as a 7th grade biology teacher. In high school Dan and Caitlin ran in similar social circles and quickly became friends, even attending Caitlin's junior year prom together. For a good laugh, look under the photos tab for a classic prom pic circa 2011.

On October 14th, 2012 and Dan messaged Caitlin on Facebook to tell her "Happy Birthday!" adding that they should catch up over Thanksgiving break. They ended up spending almost every day together during that short break. One of their very first dates was a Sixers basketball game (and yes, he was wearing his Iverson jersey). Fast forward a few years later... they both graduated from Coastal Carolina, had job offers in SC, moved into their first apartment on Margarita Drive, and adopted their dog named Mowgli. For 2 years they lived happily just 4 miles from the beach before moving back to PA closer to family and friends.

It was October 17th, 2020. Dan had planned a winery day at Grace Winery for "Caitlin's birthday". Luckily for him, Caitlin was moving slower after a night out because he decided to wear a sports jacket, khaki pants, and dress shoes which should have been a dead giveaway that something was going on. However, she did suspect something when the cheese board came out and he did not partake in it even a little bit. There was a nearby table celebrating a couple that got engaged minutes prior at the winery. Caitlin took this as an opportunity to tell Dan exactly how he should propose to her...little did she know. The waiter came over with the check and was insistent that Caitlin and Dan take a walk in the vineyards which seemed odd to her because the vineyards were surrounded by a large gate and a lock on it saying "No trespassers". Nonetheless they unlocked the gate and began walking in the vineyards (with Caitlin's mom and Dan's sister hiding in between the trees) when Dan got on one knee. One cannot be sure what was even said in those moments but the rest of that day and night was spent celebrating the engagement with close family and friends.